BCD Taps Former CWT CEO Travis Tanner To Head Sales

BCD Travel today told BTN that it has hired Travis Tanner, former CEO of Carlson Wagonlit Travel, as executive vice president of global sales, reporting to Mike Buckman, CEO of the travel management company. In taking the sales lead, Tanner enables Mary Ellen George, who previously wore both global sales and consulting hats, to focus exclusively on BCD's new consulting arm as executive vice president of global consulting, the company said.

"I've been playing a dual role for the last six months, where I've been running global sales and our consulting business, which has been evolving as part of our integration efforts," George said. By melding parts from WorldTravel and TQ3, George said BCD is able to bring together a global organization that is 55 consultants strong, with reach through Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.

After an extended stint of more than a decade in leisure travel, Tanner returns to the corporate side of the industry, joining a company he "always viewed as great competition." Tanner said his strength is in understanding and working with global customers.

"I have some experience in dealing with issues that relate to travel becoming globalized," said Tanner. "For example, I really understand why it's important to have a presence around the world that you own and control, because I went down that path before and it doesn't work when you have affiliates. As it relates to strategically driving what customers need within the company, I plan to be that sounding board for the company and that's my main strategic role."